A nurse is assessing a client who is taking furosemide to treat heart failure. Which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse that the medication is having a therapeutic effect?

A. Weight loss: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that reduces fluid volume in clients with heart failure. Weight loss is a primary indicator of effective fluid removal and is often used to assess the therapeutic response to the medication. B. Distended neck veins: Distended neck veins are a sign of increased central venous pressure, indicating fluid overload and are a sign of worsening heart failure. Their presence suggests that the diuretic has not effectively reduced central venous pressure or fluid retention. C. Increased heart rate: An elevated heart rate can be a compensatory response to persistent fluid overload or dehydration. It is not a reliable indicator of therapeutic effectiveness and may point to an underlying issue. D. Decreased blood pressure: While a drop in blood pressure can occur with fluid loss, excessive reduction may be harmful. It is not the most specific indicator of furosemide’s effectiveness in managing heart failure symptoms.